Frequently Asked Questions

• Are your programs accredited?
• Will my credits apply toward a master's graduate degree?
• What if I am a current or aspiring Coach?
• What is a "study group"?
• How many people will be in my study group?
• Can I take a course with teachers or coaches from my own building or district?
• Can I choose the facilitator for my course?
• Do you accept transfer credits?
• How much time will the program take to complete?
• Will I need to complete a thesis or take a comprehensive exam?
• What steps do I need to take for graduation from the MSEd: Major in Early Childhood Literacy and the MSEd: Major in 21st Century Teaching & Learning?
• What is the grading scale?
• When do I receive my grades?
• How do I order an official transcript?
• I am enrolled in another graduate program. Will my institution accept these courses in transfer and apply them to my program?
• How do I retrieve a copy of my receipt, once I have paid for the course?
• How do I get the PDE partial refund for tuition if I am a PA Reading First teacher?
• What is the Withdraw Policy?

A: Yes. Wilkes University is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and its graduate programs, including those offered in partnership with eMBEDDED LEARNING, are approved by the Department of Education and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.



A: Once formally accepted into a degree program by Wilkes University, all graduate credits received for a course in that program will count towards that degree or program. To learn more about admission to a graduate program, please visit our admissions page.



A: LSI and Wilkes University offer a Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching (TLIC). The following graduate courses satisfy the requirements for this program (12 credits): Teacher Leadership, Instructional Coaching I & II, and Problem-based Approach to Instructional Coaching K-12. It is necessary to gain formal admission to Wilkes University.



A: A "study group" is the term we give to the group of individuals who are taking the same class. When a group is formed and ready to get started, we "release" the group to the facilitator and the course begins.



A: In most courses, study groups are comprised of 5- 10 learners. However, EDAM 5031, 5032, 5033, and 5034 can have up to 20 learners in a study group.



A: During the registration process you are able to choose the section of the course that you would like. If you and your colleagues choose the same section, you will be taking the course together.



A: During the registration process you are able to choose the section of the course that you would like. Each section has a pre-assigned facilitator that you will be able to view.



A: Because of the unique, job-embedded nature of our courses, we do not currently accept transfer credits.



A: The timeline to complete the degree is flexible; you have up to six years to complete all required coursework. Most learners will complete the MSEd: Major in Early Childhood Literacy Degree within a 3-year period, the MSEd: Major in 21st Century Teaching & Learning Degree within a 3-year period, and the Letter of Endorsement in Teacher Leadership & Instructional Coaching program within a 1.5 year period.



A: There is NO thesis or comprehensive exam to be completed at the conclusion of coursework. Instead, at the end of each course you are required to complete a 10-15 page metacognative research paper, and the MSEd: Major in Early Childhood Literacy has a 6-credit practicum serving as the capstone experience for the degree.



A: Degree candidates must register for "GRD OOOB-Graduation" on the Wilkes University yellow registration form the semester you enroll in the final course for your degree, regardless of whether you plan to attend commencement. It is the learner's responsibility to contact his or her Wilkes advisor for a preliminary audit to be sure all program requirements have been met satisfactorily. This should be done the semester before graduation is intended. Learners must register for graduation no later than 90 days prior to that semester's commencement - by January 30 for May graduation, June 30 for September graduation, and September 30 for January graduation. Completed course grades must be received at Wilkes no later than two weeks prior to the commencement date for that semester.

Learners will be invoiced for the $150 graduation fee (subject to change without notice). This registration flags you to receive a mailing from the Wilkes University Graduate Studies Office with paperwork required for graduation clearance. You can participate in the next scheduled commencement ceremony, or if you prefer your diploma will be mailed.



A: The grading/scoring is as follows:

Grading/ Scoring
4.0	A	94-100%	Academic achievement of superior quality
3.5	B+	87-93%	Academic achievement of good quality
3.0	B	80-86%	Academic achievement of acceptable quality in meeting graduation requirements
2.5	C+	75-79%	Academic achievement of adequate quality but below the average required for graduation
2.0	C	70-74%	Academic achievement below the average required for graduation
0.0	F	Below 70%	Failure. No graduate course credit

A: Wilkes University posts grades to student accounts within 10-15 business days after the session ends. Once grades have been posted, students can access their grades at anytime by logging into the Wilkes portal.



A: To request a transcript, follow the steps below.

1. Log in to your student account through mywilkes.wilkes.edu
2. Select the "Student Services" tab
3. Choose "Student Records"
4. Choose "Academic Transcript"
5. Choose "Request an Official Transcript"
6. Pay for your transcript(s) with a credit card
7. Web transcript requests are printed and mailed after 12:00 noon each business day

A: All colleges and universities reserve the right to accept or deny transfer credits according to their own policies. If you are interested in transferring a course to your current institution, it is recommended that you seek approval in advance from your advisor or program director. Be prepared to explain where the course fits into your current program (have the Wilkes course number and description available), and which core or elective you are hoping to replace.



A: Beginning with the 2008 fall semester: Once a payment has been made, students can print a copy of their statement by logging into the Wilkes portal.



A: To receive the partial refund, follow the steps below.

1. Register for course(s) with Wilkes University.
2. Pay Wilkes University the FULL tuition amount for the course.
3. Print a statement showing you have paid for the course in full.
4. Complete the Refund Request Form
   • Email the Graduate Student Services Department for a copy of the Refund Request Form
5. Mail or Fax your statement and completed form to:
   Mail:
   
   GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES
   221 West Philadelphia Street,
   Suite 112E
   York, PA 17401
   Fax:
   
   717-845-3481

A: Students who wish to withdraw from a course must contact eMBEDDED Learning Graduate Student Services at 888-235-6555 and complete a withdraw form. Students who withdraw from a course after it has begun, will be entitled to an adjustment of tuition according to the Wilkes University refund schedule.